Early intervention gives hope

Posted on June 17, 2012, Sunday

IN PARTNERSHIP: Carpenter and his daughter, Katie during a workshop presentation at the recent 4th NECIC in Sibu.

WINNIE Koay looked resplendent in her fiery red top as she stepped confidently on stage with a long, shining sword gripped in one hand recently.

She came in perfectly on cue to the music and for the next few minutes, all eyes in the room were on her as she flowed smoothly in time from one taiji form to the next, showing such controlled poise, balance and grace that the Sibu audience was left breathless at times.

Earlier that day, Katie Carpenter showed no signs of nervousness or fatigue as she stood in front of the audience at an international conference, next to her professor father. Already, earlier that morning, this spunky young lady had helped him to facilitate a three-hour workshop attended by non-government organisations, government agencies and other members of the public.

As she shared with the audience about her experiences and opinions, participants admired the contents of a thick clear folder which contains Katies resume. The folder is just about bursting at the seams from the dozens of certificates recognising Katies academic achievements, training and skills acquired and voluntary work.

Winnie and Katie are what many other young people their age aspire to be well-spoken, independent, confident and physically active.

However, what makes them truly outstanding is the fact that they have Downs Syndrome, a chromosomal condition caused by the presence of all or part of an extra 21st chromosome.

According to the Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation website (www.kdsf.org.my), Downs Syndrome occurs in approximately 1 in every 660 live births in Malaysia.

Downs Syndrome is the leading cause of intellectual disabilities worldwide and usually causes delay in physical, intellectual and language development. Individuals with Downs Syndrome are at greater risk of certain medical complications including congenital heart disease, thyroid disorders and hematologic malignancies such as leukemia.

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Early intervention gives hope